News and Media Releases

Logano helps Shell raise 811 awareness

05/07/2013

Texas event, New York media day highlight April activities reminding fans to call before they dig

No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion driver Joey Logano

National Safe Digging Month wrapped up last week, concluding a busy month of safe digging awareness campaigning from Shell and the Common Ground Alliance that included a press event with the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion driver Joey Logano in Texas, a media tour with Logano in New York, and prominent logo placement on the No. 22 racecar during the month.

Shell kicked off April by teaming up with the Common Ground Alliance for a fifth consecutive season to raise awareness for 811, the national “Call Before You Dig” hotline, by leveraging the Shell-Pennzoil sponsorship with Penske Racing at seven races this season.

The No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion carried the 811 logo on its deck lid during three races in April, as well as the Talladega race on May 5. Additionally, the logo will run on the deck lid of the car during the June 23 race in Sonoma, California. Logano previously displayed the logo on the TV panel during races in Phoenix on March 3 and Las Vegas on March 10.

On April 10, leading up to the race in Texas, Logano “dug in” – literally – to drive the ‘811’ message home at Texas Motor Speedway. Logano met with media at the track to discuss the initiative, and then temporarily traded in his racecar for a 125,000 pound hydraulic excavator to demonstrate the importance of safe digging as part of the Highway 114 Construction Project in front of the Speedway. The demonstration garnered significant media attention for the cause.

A week later, Logano continued to spread the 811 message as he traveled to New York City to conduct a series of national media interviews. Logano kicked off the day on the national morning program FOX & Friends, competing in a fierce go-kart race with the show’s anchor while sharing safe digging tips. Logano also appeared on SPEED TV, FOXSports.com and SI.com during the media tour.

Although National Safe Digging Month is over, the effort to promote safe digging in racing continues. The Common Ground Alliance is giving race fans the chance for a weekend of a lifetime with the “Spring to Sonoma” sweepstakes.

One lucky fan and a guest will win a grand prize trip to wine country in Sonoma, CA, and tickets to that weekend’s race on June 23 to see the Call 811 logo on the No. 22 Shell-Pennzoil Ford Fusion up close and in person. The dream weekend will also include a special meet and greet with Logano. Fans can enter at www.springtosonoma.com.